Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 BSB Today's Verse In Context: He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace. The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination. Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him. The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents. An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle. From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:1‭-‬24 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/pro.18.1-24.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: The Power of Life and Death Think of a time you said something you regret, or were the target of someone's hurtful words. Now, reflect on a situation where you encouraged a friend who was hurting, or felt the life-giving effects of someone speaking kindly to you. Words matter. Your words matter. And, God has given you the freedom to choose how you use them. Are you using your words to tear down or build up? To provoke destruction or initiate restoration? Do your words stir up drama or encourage peace? “What you say flows from what is in your heart,” Jesus explained in Luke 6:45. Fruit reveals the health of a tree, just as a tongue reveals what is happening in the heart. Most of us want to use our words for good and not for harm … we don’t want to be unkind or critical. But, James 3 tells us that the tongue is unstable and cannot seem to be tamed. So, what can we do? Is there a way to control it? Self-control is a fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us, which means we can’t get there on our own. We cannot, in our own power, control our tongues. But, we do have a part to play in the process: we need to stick close to Jesus.  When we read His Word, seek His face, and walk in His ways (no matter how many times we mess up and have to begin again), love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control begin to grow in our lives. The biblical term is abiding: staying, continuing, or remaining in Jesus’ presence. As we abide with Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to guide the way we speak and change the way we act. When that happens, our words start to bring life and hope to the people around us.  Today, how will you use your words to bring healing and hope to people? How will you stick close to Jesus so that His power can equip you to speak life?